Pairwise Comparison Method Research Articles

Effect of various surface treatments on relining bond strength of CAD-CAM denture base materials.

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of various surface treatments and production methods on the shear bond strength (SBS) between reline material and denture base resins. One-hundred-twenty specimens were produced using conventional heat-polymerization, subtractive, and additive techniques. Each group consisted of 40 specimens. The specimens were divided into four subgroups, each with 10 samples, for surface treatments. These subgroups were: (1) Control-only monomer application, (2) 50 μm airborne-particle abrasion, (3) 110 μm airborne-particle abrasion, and (4) Roughening with tungsten carbide bur. Representative specimens from each subgroup were examined under SEM. Then, auto-polymerized resin was condensed in the center of the specimens. Specimens were subjected to thermal aging (5000 cycles at 5-55°C). The SBS test was conducted and failure loads were recorded. The data were evaluated by two-way ANOVA and Tukey pairwise multiple comparisons method (p < 0.05). The additively produced group showed significantly lower SBS than conventional and subtractive groups (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between the subtractive and conventional groups. Specimens that underwent monomer application only showed the lowest SBS among surface treatments, while 50 μm airborne-particle abrasion showed the highest SBS. Based on the partial eta-squared analysis results, the surface treatment mainly impacted SBS. Among the surface treatment methods, treating denture bases with 50 μm airborne-particle abrasion is more effective for maintaining adhesion, especially in the additive technique.

How subjective CT image quality assessment becomes surprisingly reliable: pairwise comparisons instead of Likert scale

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to improve the reliability of subjective IQ assessment using a pairwise comparison (PC) method instead of a Likert scale method in abdominal CT scans.MethodsAbdominal CT scans (single-center) were retrospectively selected between September 2019 and February 2020 in a prior study. Sample variance in IQ was obtained by adding artificial noise using dedicated reconstruction software, including reconstructions with filtered backprojection and varying iterative reconstruction strengths. Two datasets (each n = 50) were composed with either higher or lower IQ variation with the 25 original scans being part of both datasets. Using in-house developed software, six observers (five radiologists, one resident) rated both datasets via both the PC method (forcing observers to choose preferred scans out of pairs of scans resulting in a ranking) and a 5-point Likert scale. The PC method was optimized using a sorting algorithm to minimize necessary comparisons. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were assessed for both methods with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsTwenty-five patients (mean age 61 years ± 15.5; 56% men) were evaluated. The ICC for interobserver agreement for the high-variation dataset increased from 0.665 (95%CI 0.396–0.814) to 0.785 (95%CI 0.676–0.867) when the PC method was used instead of a Likert scale. For the low-variation dataset, the ICC increased from 0.276 (95%CI 0.034–0.500) to 0.562 (95%CI 0.337–0.729). Intraobserver agreement increased for four out of six observers.ConclusionThe PC method is more reliable for subjective IQ assessment indicated by improved inter- and intraobserver agreement.Clinical relevance statementThis study shows that the pairwise comparison method is a more reliable method for subjective image quality assessment. Improved reliability is of key importance for optimization studies, validation of automatic image quality assessment algorithms, and training of AI algorithms.Key Points• Subjective assessment of diagnostic image quality via Likert scale has limited reliability.• A pairwise comparison method improves the inter- and intraobserver agreement.• The pairwise comparison method is more reliable for CT optimization studies.Graphical

ПОСЛІДОВНІСТЬ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ІННОВАЦІЙНО-ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ЗМІН В НАЦІОНАЛЬНІЙ ЕКОНОМІЦІ

The article substantiates the relevance of developing a sequence of evaluation of innovative and informational changes in the national economy in the conditions of constant transformations and martial law. The article is devoted to the formation of the sequence of evaluation of innovative and informational changes in the national economy and highlighting the results of the evaluation carried out using it. It was established that the assessment of innovative and informational changes plays an important role, because it is the basis for determining the degree of innovative and innovative changes in the economy, their dynamics, which will make it possible to determine the type of changes and subsequently establish the impact of such changes on the functioning of the national economy. It has been proven that a correctly constructed sequence of evaluation of innovative informational changes will help to understand what steps should be taken to ensure qualitative changes in the country’s economy. This sequence of evaluation of innovative and informational changes, which is presented in the form of a certain iterative cycle, each of the stages of which is associated with the use of certain economic-statistical and other methods. It has been established that the evaluation of innovative and informational changes involves the use of methods of data collection and systematization, data standardization, the method of pair wise comparisons, aggregation, scaling, etc. The evaluation is based on the indicators corresponding to the evaluation indicators of innovative and informational changes. The evaluation system of innovative and informational changes in the national economy is presented. On the basis of statistical material, the sequence of evaluation of innovative and informational changes in the national economy was tested. The results of the evaluation of innovative and informational changes are given. The dynamics of indicators of innovative and informational changes, corresponding generalizing indicators and a combined indicator of innovative and informational changes in the national economy are analyzed. Their interpretation is provided according to the selected scale. It was established that on the basis of the obtained results, the type of changes can be determined, which will make it possible to develop appropriate solutions in the field of their strategic support.

Comparison and selection of criteria and features in morphological analysis

The article deals with the issues of using the method of pairwise comparisons in the selection of attributes and criteria in morphological analysis. The paper specifies the possibilities of solving the problems of collecting, analysing, evaluating and selecting rational options. The fundamental impossibility of building accurate models leads to the necessity of decision making under conditions of uncertainty. The analytic hierarchy process is used to solve the problems. The formulation and method of solving the problem are given. Using an example, the application of the proposed approach is shown. In conclusion and conclusions are drawn and the advantages of the stated algorithm are considered. The use of the proposed approach allows increasing the validity of the decisions made in morphological analysis and thus increasing the efficiency of research.

A novel pairwise comparison method with linear programming for multi-attribute decision-making

A novel pairwise comparison method with linear programming for multi-attribute decision-making

Technological aspects of increasing the meat productivity of rabbits using an adsorbent with a probiotic component SYMBITOX

In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of using the feed additive Symbitox with probiotic–sorbent properties in rearing hybrid Hycol rabbits. Experimental studies were conducted in 2023 at an industrial rabbit breeding complex, Lipetsk Rabbit LLC, on a group of hybrid rabbit offspring selected at 30 days old after weaning from does. The animals were divided into groups using the pairwise comparison method, with 15 clinically healthy animals per group. Individuals in the control group were kept on a standard farm diet with PZK-94 GRN compound feed. Individuals in the experimental groups received PZK-94 GRN compound feed with varying amounts of the adsorbent Symbitox according to the research scheme: group 1 (control), group 2 (PZK + Symbitox 1.0 kg/ton of feed), and group 3 (PZK + Symbitox 2.0 kg/ton of feed). The effectiveness of using the feed additive Symbitox on the growth performance of rabbit offspring was confirmed. We established that rabbits in group 1 (control) lagged behind the animals in the experimental groups in terms of carcass weight: by 290 g (18.12%) for group 2 and by 407.0 g (25.43%) for group 3. The maximum slaughter yield was recorded in group 3 (dosage of 2.0 kg/ton of feed) and exceeded the control group indicator by 10.90%. Thus, the investigated feed additive Symbitox is a promising animal-feeding resource that increases rabbits’ productive performance in the industrial rabbit breeding industry.

МЕТОДИКА ВИЯВЛЕННЯ КІБЕРІНЦИДЕНТІВ SIEM-СИСТЕМОЮ В БАЗАХ ДАНИХ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНО-КОМУНІКАЦІЙНИХ СИСТЕМ ВІЙСЬКОВОГО ПРИЗНАЧЕННЯ

With the integration of information and communication systems into military operations, the issue of their cyber defense is becoming increasingly important. The main target for cyberattacks are databases that mostly contain confidential information. One of the most effective approaches to ensuring cybersecurity of databases of military information and communication systems is to use the intelligent capabilities of a SIEM system. SIEM allows real-time monitoring, analysis and response to potential cyber incidents. The article proposes a methodology for detecting cyber incidents by a SIEM system in databases of military information and communication systems. The main emphasis is placed on the multi-level protection of databases, which includes protection at the operating system level, the database level and the database management system, as well as the network level of protection. In order to improve the efficiency of cyber incident detection at the level of SIEM data analysis, an improved methodology based on fuzzy logic is used. Improvement of the methodology is achieved by introducing weights of antecedents in fuzzy rules, which allows, in some cases, to identify cyber incidents more accurately compared to existing models and methods. The weights of the antecedents of fuzzy rules are determined using the method of pairwise comparisons based on the rankings made on the 9-point Saaty scale. A decision-making algorithm for identifying cyber incidents based on the analysis of fuzzy rules and the weights of their antecedents is presented. An example of calculating the weights of antecedents of fuzzy rules using the method of pairwise comparisons based on rank estimates is given.

Building an effective network security system of the enterprise based on the method of analyzing hierarchies of quality indicators

The article is devoted to the analysis of the optimal choice of network security systems for enterprises based on the method of pairwise comparison of criteria. The reaction speed, level of protection, integration and reliability of the systems were studied. Considered general requirements for quality and cost. The conclusion is made about the need for a comprehensive approach to system selection and careful consideration of all aspects to ensure effective information protection. The article analyzes the importance of a balanced approach between efficiency and cost when choosing a network security system. The importance of integration with existing systems and taking into account requirements for compliance with security standards is emphasized. The results of the study indicate the need for careful analysis before deciding on the choice of a network security system for the enterprise. Additionally, the article examines the influence of each of the considered criteria on the overall level of enterprise network security and the reliability of information protection. The proposed recommendations on the optimal choice of network security systems can be useful for enterprise management and information security specialists, contributing to the improvement of the overall level of cyber protection. In conclusion, the article offers a comprehensive approach to the selection of network security systems based on an objective comparison of various criteria. Taking into account the speed of response, the level of protection, integration and cost helps enterprises to ensure effective and economical protection of their information resources. The study can be useful both for management deciding on investment in security, and for information security specialists looking for optimal solutions for the specific needs of the enterprise.

DNA Sequence Based Molecular Identification of Eustrongylides excisus Larvas (Nematoda) in Sander Lucioperca from Lake Eğirdir

In this study, 926-954 bp partially distinct nucleotide sequences which belong to the 18S and 28SrDNA gene loci from 3 Eustrongylides excisus samples were identified as identical and registered in GenBank (OP480437-39). Nucleotide values in 18S and 28S rDNA gene sequences of Eustrongylides excisus samples were defined respectively: 26.94% 27.26 A; 26.78%-26.84% T; 28.30-28.62% G; 17.39-17.92% C. According to the sequence dataset distance matrix obtained by the Pairwise comparison method, there was a complete agreement (0%) between the Eustrongylides excisus isolates identified in this study (OP480437-39) and the Eustrongylides excisus isolate registered in the GenBank (MK007967, MT415236, MK545494).The Eustrongylides excisus isolates were collected in the same cluster in Maximum likelihood filogram analysis. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region gene sequence results of the isolates confirmed the taxonomic position of Eustrongylides excisus, which was defined according to its anatomical and morphological features. More, 18S and 28S rDNA gene sequences were defined for the first time in this study on 3 samples of Eustrongylides excisus species in Lake Eğirdir, and contributions were made to the determination of genetic characteristics of the species.

Robusta coffee processing productivity analysis using objective matrix (OMAX) method (Case study at PT Tinkerbels Permata Indah, Bogor, West Java)

PT Tinkerbels Permata Indah is one of the companies engaged in the coffee processing industry. The high market demand for coffee products made from robusta coffee requires PT Tinkerbels Permata Indah to continuously produce more coffee effectively and efficiently. Therefore, companies need to measure productivity to determine the performance of using several inputs to produce output. This research aimed to analyze the productivity level of robusta coffee bean production and to make a proposed improvement plan for PT Tinkerbels Permata Indah. The method used to measure productivity was the objective matrix (OMAX) method. The weight of each criterion was obtained with the help of the pairwise comparison method by filling out a questionnaire by the three experts involved. The results show that the company's highest productivity achievement was 5.893 in April 2022, and the lowest was in September 2022, with a current value of 0.880. Proposed improvements include companies needing to pay attention to their warehouses by maintaining temperature and humidity so that materials are not damaged by warehouse pests, implementing flexible daily hours to reduce wastage of employee work time, implementing an energy-saving culture, conducting energy audits, and implementing machinery maintenance management.

복합문화공간의 입지 결정 요인과 평가모형 연구

(1) RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Since complex cultural space development projects involve long-term decision-making with considerable time and large-scale capital investment and involve a lot of time and budget from basic design to construction and completion, efforts to minimize risk in the long run are very important. In relation to the location factors of complex cultural spaces, there is a need for an analytical and rational study that can satisfy the formation of local urban culture and economic factors. Accordingly, this study was conducted to understand the importance of the location determinants of complex cultural spaces and to suggest evaluation factors accordingly. (2) RESEARCH METHOD The evaluation items for the location determinants of the complex cultural space were selected through FGI, focusing on experts, and AHP analysis was conducted on the selected evaluation items as a structured secondary questionnaire in a pairwise comparison method for administrative and practical experts. To verify the evaluation model, the accuracy of the evaluation criteria was verified by comparing the evaluation model using the business performance evaluation model distribution table, focusing on the importance of the evaluation items calculated through AHP analysis. (3) RESEARCH FINDINGS As a result of evaluating each item of the four regional complex cultural spaces based on the overall importance of AHP, the highest scores were found in the order of Seoul, Gwangju, In the Seoul Metropolitan area, which was evaluated as the highest score, the public interest of social factors was the highest, followed by the convenience of public transportation of environmental factors in Gwangju. 2. RESULTS The fact that the convenience of public transportation, an environmental factor, was analyzed as the highest score in the location determination factor of the complex cultural space means that the complex cultural space should be located in the city center and secure transportation convenience, and that it should play a role in balanced regional development and urban economic development by expanding access opportunities for the public and art.

재건축사업의 단계별 개선방안의 중요도 연구

1. CONTENTS (1) RESEARCH OBJECTIVES IIn order to revitalize the reconstruction project, there is a lack of research divided from the project preparation stage to the project implementation, management and disposal plan, and completion and liquidation stage. Therefore, this study aims to provide implications by identifying problems that occur step by step when promoting reconstruction projects, ways to improve the satisfaction of members, and deriving important factors when promoting the project.me was studied. Data on the actual transaction price of apartments representatively inhabited by the general public among real estate near the high-speed railway station were collected and analyzed. Through (2) RESEARCH METHOD Through the results of the survey, differences in satisfaction between groups and post-verification were conducted on the items of each stage of the reconstruction project according to demographic characteristics. In addition, the AHP analysis was conducted with a structured second questionnaire in a pairwise comparison method for executives of reconstruction associations and experts such as related public officials, maintenance companies, municipal construction, and architects (3) RESEARCH FINDINGS As a result of analyzing the unconstrained potential growth model, it was confirmed that apartments located within 5km of the high-speed railway station rose in price after the location of the high-speed railway station, and apartments within 2km of the station had a much larger increase in sales price than apartments after 2km. In the pharmaceutical potential growth model, it was confirmed that the distance between apartments and high-speed railway stations, and the rate of increase in apartment sales prices as the aging period after construction increased, and there was no difference between regions. 2. RESULTS It was found that the promotion committee's operating regulation system was supplemented, the prior feasibility review for project promotion was strengthened, the general meeting of the union was held, and the decision procedure was implemented. The reason why all experts and administrative experts were ranked first is that the city and provincial governor should prepare and distribute the standard articles of incorporation, so it was selected as an important factor because it is necessary to supplement the operating regulation system to meet the changed conditions such as the revision of the law.

Developing a GIS-based multicriteria evaluation system for selecting suitable sites for solar energy power plants in Anambra state Nigeria

The increasing demand for clean energy in society raises concerns about alternative energy sources, making it difficult to rely solely on one or two sources of electricity generation. This study aims to develop a GIS-based multicriteria evaluation system for identifying suitable solar energy power plants in Anambra State, Nigeria. Key criteria include solar irradiation, land use, proximity to transmission lines, accessibility, slope, and environmental constraints. GIS tools and satellite imagery data are used to analyze and visualize these criteria, enabling an efficient decision-making process. The methodology includes data collection, selecting and determining criteria for suitable site selection, constructing a hierarchical structure of site selection procedure, data acquisition, classification of acceptable criteria and factors into rank of suitability, determining the relative importance of each criterion using AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) based on pair-wise comparisons, assessing the consistency of judgments through a pair-wise comparisons method, and producing the final evaluation map. The results provide valuable insights into identifying suitable sites for solar power plants in Anambra State and are advised for use in other parts of the country. The GIS-based multicriteria evaluation system facilitates location decisions and increases efficiency in dealing with solar energy power plant siting. The study workflow model is suggested for smooth and quick appropriateness analysis and easy export as a python script.

A new hybrid inequality BAT for comprehensive all-level d-MP identification using minimal paths in Multistate Flow Network reliability analysis

In various network applications like wireless sensors, utilities, IoT, and transport systems, multistate flow networks (MFNs) serve as valuable models. A d-level minimal path (d-MP) is a unique type of MFN characterized by having a maximum flow of d without any redundant arcs. Assessing MFN reliability is critical and often relies on the d-MP algorithm, a foundational method for calculating reliability. Existing d-MP algorithms, however, lack the capability to concurrently identify all-level d-MPs. We propose a novel algorithm, the Hybrid Inequality Binary-Addition-Tree (IBAT), which overcomes existing limitations by concurrently discovering all-level d-MPs (decision-making points), thus enabling more informed decision-making. This hybrid IBAT combines the IBAT with several key techniques: the path-based layered-search algorithm (PLSA), sequential verification, the MP-to-arc state transformation, the cycle test, and the logarithmic prime pairwise comparison method (LPM). In contrast to existing methods, our BAT-based approach consistently showcases superior performance in the parallelized retrieval of all-level d-MPs, as substantiated through experiments conducted on 12 benchmark MFNs. Compared to existing methods, our BAT-based approach demonstrates superior performance in parallelized retrieval of all-level d-MPs in the execution times in discovering d-MPs across all levels, as validated by experiments on 12 benchmark MFNs.

Resilient heuristic aggregation of judgments in the pairwise comparisons method

In decision-making methods, it is common to assume that the experts are honest and professional. However, this is not the case when one or more experts in the pairwise-based group decision-making framework, such as the group analytic hierarchy process, try to manipulate results in their favor. This paper aims to introduce two heuristics enabling detection of manipulators and minimizing their effect on the group consensus by diminishing their weights. The first heuristic is based on the assumption that manipulators will provide judgments that can be considered outliers with respect to those of the other experts in the group. The second heuristic assumes that dishonest judgments are less consistent than the average consistency of the group. Both approaches are illustrated with numerical examples and simulations.

Spaceborne SAR Time-Series Images Change Detection Based on SAR-SIFT-Logarithm Background Subtraction

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image change detection aims to detect changes with images of the same area acquired at different times. It has wide applications in environmental monitoring, urban planning and resource management. Traditional change detection methods for spaceborne SAR time-series images typically adopt a pairwise comparison strategy to obtain multi-temporal change information. However, this kind of method has the problem of losing the overall change information, which is time consuming. To address this problem, this paper proposes a new change detection algorithm for spaceborne SAR time-series data based on SAR-SIFT-Logarithm Background Subtraction. This algorithm combines the SAR-SIFT image registration technology with Logarithm Background Subtraction. The method first preprocesses the input time-series data with steps like noise reducing and radiometric calibration. Then, the images will be coregistered by the SAR-SIFT step to avoid mismatches-induced detection performance degradation. Next, the parts that remained unchanged throughout the time period are modeled with a median filter to obtain the static background. The change information is then obtained via the subtraction of background and CFAR detection and clustering. The proposed algorithm is validated using the Sentinel-1 GRD and PAZ-1 time-series dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively detects the overall change information and reduces processing time compared to traditional pairwise comparison methods.

Effect of the Caregivers-to-Caregivers Training Programme on informed caregivers of persons with mental disorders: A pilot study.

Many people with mental disorders are cared for by informed caregivers, but they usually have limited care-related training and lack caregiving capacity and support networks. In order to provide professional training and social support for informed caregivers, we designed the Caregivers-to-Caregivers Training Programme (C2C) and performed a pilot study to assess its effect. Caregivers of persons with mental disorders who participated in the C2C were asked to participate in a quasi-experimental study to assess their knowledge and skills development, self-care ability, trainer engagement, and training content. A total of 800 participants completed self-designed evaluation questionnaires and two open-ended questions to gather suggestions and feedback. Assessments were carried out at pretest (baseline), post-test, and at 2-month follow-up. Results were analyzed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pairwise comparison method. At post-test, 667 assessments were considered valid and 515 were deemed valid at 2-month follow-up. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed that the main effect of the scores on knowledge and skills development and self-care ability from baseline to 2-month follow-up was significant (p < .001). Results of pairwise comparison method showed that the scores on each item of knowledge and skills development and self-care ability at post-test and at 2-month follow up were higher than those at baseline (p < .001). The scores on items of trainer engagement and training content were all above average (4/5). The open-ended questions resulted in 678 comments indicating that participants gained significant support from other caregivers and healthcare professionals in the alliance and wanted more and continuously updated material. This study demonstrated that C2C effectively improved the development of caregivers' knowledge, skills, and their self-care ability. Available social support for caregivers was better than average, including professional support and peer support.

Survey on the application of external cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Chinese children with sudden cardiac arrest

Objectives: To investigate the current application status and implementation difficulties of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in children with sudden cardiac arrest. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 35 hospitals. A Children's ECPR Information Questionnaire on the implementation status of ECPR technology (abbreviated as the questionnaire) was designed, to collect the data of 385 children treated with ECPR in the 35 hospitals. The survey extracted the information about development of ECPR, the maintenance of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine, the indication of ECPR, and the difficulties of implementation in China. These ECPR patients were grouped based on their age, the hospital location and level, to compare the survival rates after weaning and discharge. The statistical analysis used Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance for the comparison between the groups, LSD method for post hoc testing, and Bonferroni method for pairwise comparison. Results: Of the 385 ECPR cases, 224 were males and 161 females. There were 185 (48.1%) survival cases after weaning and 157 (40.8%) after discharge. There were 324 children (84.2%) receiving ECPR for cardiac disease and 27 children (7.0%) for respiratory failure. The primary cause of death in ECPR patients was circulatory failure (82 cases, 35.9%), followed by brain failure (80 cases, 35.0%). The most common place of ECPR was intensive care unit (ICU) (278 cases, 72.2%); ECPR catheters were mostly inserted through incision (327 cases, 84.9%). There were 32 hospitals (91.4%) had established ECMO emergency teams, holding 125 ECMO machines in total. ECMO machines mainly located in ICU (89 pieces, 71.2%), and the majority of hospitals (32 units, 91.4%) did not have pre-charged loops. There were no statistically significant differences in the post-withdrawal and post-discharge survival rates of ECPR patients among different age groups, regions, and hospitals (all P>0.05). The top 5 difficulties in implementing ECPR in non-ICU environments were lack of ECMO machines (16 times), difficulty in placing CPR pipes (15 times), long time intervals between CPR and ECMO transfer (13 times), lack of conventional backup ECMO loops (10 times), and inability of ECMO emergency teams to quickly arrive at the site (5 times). Conclusion: ECPR has been gradually developed in the field of pediatric critical care in China, and needs to be further standardized. ECPR in non-ICU environment remains a challenge.

Net Clinical and Quality of Life Benefit of Luspatercept in Transfusion-Dependent MDS: A Win Ratio Analysis Using Data from the Phase 3 MEDALIST Study

Background: Patients with transfusion-dependent (TD) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) often experience various anemia-related symptoms and functional impairments. Treatments reducing red blood cell (RBC) transfusion burden could impact these symptoms and/or functions to varying degrees depending on patients' conditions at baseline and warrants the use of composite endpoints, including both clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to fully capture these benefits. However, conventional statistical approaches may not satisfactorily assess composite outcomes, especially when the components of the composite outcomes have different types of scales and/or degrees of importance to stakeholders. The win ratio (WR) approach, one of the generalized pairwise comparison methods commonly used for assessing treatments in cardiovascular diseases, offers hierarchical structure, statistical power, and flexibility to address these challenges. Objective: This exploratory analysis used the WR approach to assess the net benefit of luspatercept vs. placebo on composite clinical/PRO endpoints using data from the MEDALIST study. Methods: Four different WR scenarios were performed, in each of which every possible patient-to-patient pair between the luspatercept and placebo arms was compared on a set of relevant clinical/PRO endpoints in a pre-specified order of assumed priority from patients' perspectives, accompanied with a pre-determined rule to assign a win, loss, or tie for luspatercept in each pairwise comparison on each endpoint. If a win or loss could not be determined on a given endpoint, then the next endpoint in the hierarchy was evaluated until a win or loss occurred. Otherwise, if all pre-specified endpoints were evaluated, a tie was assigned. The scenarios considered two clinical endpoints: RBC-transfusion independence [TI] ≥8 weeks over Weeks 1-24 and RBC-TI over Weeks 1-24. PRO endpoints included changes from baseline to the end of Week 24 in five key domains of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), categorized as improvement (≥10-point improvement), stable (10 &amp;gt; change &amp;gt;-10), or worsening (≥10-point worsening). Improvement was considered a better outcome than stable and worsening, and stable was considered better than worsening when determining a win or loss for luspatercept on each of the PRO endpoints. The four different scenarios of composite clinical/PRO endpoints and their order of priority, shown in the Table were pre-specified for assessment . The WR (nominal 95% CI, p-value) for luspatercept on each scenario of the composite clinical/PRO endpoints was calculated as the total number of pairs with a win divided by the total number of pairs with a loss. A WR &amp;gt;1 indicates that luspatercept is more favorable than placebo. Results: 153 patients randomized to the luspatercept arm were compared to 76 patients randomized to the placebo arm, for a total of 11,628 pairwise comparisons within each WR analysis. In all four scenarios, WRs were nominally statistically significantly in favor of luspatercept ( Table). Most wins favoring luspatercept were attributed to wins on the clinical endpoint. Among those pairs who tied on the clinical endpoint, the luspatercept arm experienced more wins (or tied) in almost all of the five PRO endpoints. WRs were similar whether PRO endpoints were prioritized over others or not. Conclusions: The analysis findings indicate that, for two randomly selected patients with low-risk TD MDS, the odds that the patient treated with luspatercept would have a better outcome (if not tied) than the patient with placebo, is significantly higher than 1, ranging between 1.51 to 1.90. The analysis also shows that when multiple clinical and PRO endpoints, especially with different importance to stakeholders, are considered to provide a comprehensive treatment benefit, WR can be a useful and valuable approach for making this evaluation.

Formation of administrative and legal system ensuring financial and economic security: Regional aspect

The main objective of the article is to determine the directions of resources for the formation of an administrative and legal system that ensures financial and economic security. The research methodology involves the use of modern methods of system analysis and the method of pairwise comparison, which contribute to the optimization of resource provision. The results of the study give an idea of what financial resources states use today to form an administrative and legal system in ensuring and maintaining the optimal level of the type of security being studied. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the proposed methodological approach and its application to the financial and economic security support system in Ukraine. The study has its limitations. First of all, it is limited by the fact that the chosen methodology does not take into account all types of resources in the modeling. In further research, the authors plan to identify and characterize other resources necessary for the formation of an administrative-legal system in the matter of ensuring and maintaining the optimal level of the type of security being studied. It is concluded that, optimization of resources plays a key role in the formation of any system and provision of any kind of security.